New mums art therapy group launches on Yorkshire Coast

Art Therapy Yorkshire, a small licensed charity based at Woodend in Scarborough, has launched the service to tackle issues faced by new mums during the pandemic, including isolation and loneliness.

The group, which is currently virtual on Zoom, is aimed at new mums and anyone who has had a baby during the pandemic or since the beginning of 2020 who have been affected by lockdown.

“It is a supportive group to address issues they might face, especially isolation as the usual support networks aren’t in place like family or friends due to the pandemic,” Holly said.

The initial pilot of the scheme, which is funded by The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, will run for 10 weeks with new mums encouraged to sign up.

Sessions are free and last for an hour and a half and take place every Tuesday, focusing on a specific theme.

An art pack which contains all the materials needed to take part is sold at cost for £12.

Art therapy is a form of psychological intervention where the main form of communication is through artwork. “It is for anybody, you don’t need to be a skilled artist,” Holly said.

“It’s about using the art materials to explore and express thoughts, feelings and ideas.

“It’s really useful if there are difficult things going on that are hard to express verbally.

“It isn’t something where we look at the artwork and say ‘oh you’ve used this colour, that means this’, the only person who knows what their artwork means is the person who has made it.”

When restrictions allow the charity hopes to return to in-person sessions, but it is dependant on space and funding.

To find out more or to take part visit www.arttherapyyorkshire.org.uk, call 01723 384 556 or email [email protected]